By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Mapua University Cardinals moved a win closer to clinching the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament crown after a 68-63 triumph over the San Beda University Red Lions in Game 1 of the Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, December 6.
Already ahead by as much as 14 points after the three quarters, the Cardinals suffered a near meltdown as the Red Lions clawed their way back to cut the deficit to 63-66.
The Red Lions still had a chance to tie the count, but Jacob Cortez misfired his three-point try.
Clint Escamis then secured the victory for the Cardinals as he nailed two free throws.
Escamis led the way with 18 points, including two three-pointers, while Paolo Hernandez added a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three title series.
Rookie Peter Rosillo stepped up with 15 points, mostly in the first quarter, to go with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals to be named Player of the Game for Mapua.
The Cardinals can clinch their first NCAA men’s basketball championship in 32 years in Game 2 of the finals slated at the same venue on Sunday afternoon, December 10.
From a 17-all score after the first quarter, the Cardinals found themselves behind in the second quarter before Escamis unloaded consecutive baskets to take a 36-31 halftime lead.
The Cardinals extended their run in the second half, with Escamis and Hernandez anchoring the offense as they established the biggest lead of 57-43 heading into the final quarter.
The Red Lions then slowly clawed their way back behind conversions from Cortez, James Payosing and Emman Tagle as they cut the deficit to 63-66 with 52 seconds left.
Payosing finished with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Red Lions, while rookie Jomel Puno and Cortez chipped in 12 markers apiece.
MAPUA 68 — Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 15, Bonifacio 6, Recto 5, Cuenco 4, Soriano 4, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0.
SAN BEDA 63 — Payosing 18, Puno 12, Cortez 12, Andrada 8, Jopia 8, Tagle 5, Cuntapay 2, Visser 2, Alfaro 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 36-31, 57-43, 68-63./ASC, WDJ